September 23 / 16.25 Haydock

16.25

Good

Lee Thomas Christie Handicap

  • Prize money: £4968
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Lee Thomas Christie Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 22113/

Last run: 1461 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
2019 Triumph Hurdle winner who was pipped on heavy ground here the following January; had wind surgery soon afterwards and has been seen only once since, when well beaten in the 2020 Champion Hurdle; had just fair Flat form earlier on but he's a player on that, let alone his lofty hurdles form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Pentland Hills

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

in rear throughout, outpaced 7th

12/1

15th

1

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:05 Cheltenham

Pentland Hills

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

in rear throughout, outpaced 7th

12/1

2

2nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:42 Kelso

Pentland Hills

11st 9lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Lightly raced, with mixed fortunes, since winning the Triumph Hurdle in March 2019; however, he returned from latest layoff with good second to Serious Operator at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) in December and may be able to build on that; one to consider.

6/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 225275 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
1m2f win here (soft) in May 2021 but that is his sole win from 35 starts; some good shows at up to 1m6f this season, including a very near-miss at Doncaster in June, so not ruled out for a place off this career-low mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(11)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:05 Haydock

Red Derek

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Lisa Williamson

10yo who's 2-55, with last win in 2022; well handicapped on some 1m6f form last term and probably needed recent run, but whether he can be competitive at this trip nowadays remains to be seen.

25/1

4th

4

(3)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Nottingham

Red Derek

8st 7lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Lisa Williamson

Only 2-54 and a long time has passed since that second success; well handicapped on some form over 1m6f last season but he was up and down last year and he doesn't have a great record when fresh; others preferred.

10/1

7

(6)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

14:25 Redcar

Red Derek

8st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Lisa Williamson

Only 2-53 and a long time has passed since that second success; however, he had been knocking on the door until a near 10l defeat at Doncaster; couldn't be ruled out.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.80

Form: 7-3747

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
AW novice win last December; has not improved on that and her last three runs were below par; well beaten both starts on softer than good; steps up from 1m4f in revival bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

25

(24)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Lady Percival

8st 2lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Hughie Morrison

Three 1m6f handicap wins, latest last September; only two runs this season, taking a big step back in the right direction at Kempton (2m, AW) on latest but she is 4lb out of the handicap today; 3lb claimer is recruited for this half-sister to the very smart stayer Quickthorn.

66/1

4th

5

(9)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Lady Percival

9st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hughie Morrison

Successful four times at up to 1m6f on AW/turf; beaten long way at Goodwood two weeks ago on belated seasonal debut and needs to leave that form well behind.

20/1

9th

2

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Goodwood

Lady Percival

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Hughie Morrison

Made all at Salisbury (1m6f, good to soft) on last handicap attempt but is now 2lb higher in a deeper field and lacks recent match practice having been absent since last November.

12/1

25/1

Form: 5783-8 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground win for Andrew Balding as a 3yo is easily his best form from nine starts; last six runs (tongue tied on last three) have been on AW, with a 494-day absence before recent reappearance; way down the weights and perhaps a return to rain-softened ground will spark something.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

17th Jan 2024

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

15:20 Southwell

Rick Blaine

11st 2lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Shaun Lycett

raced wide, in touch with leaders 2nd, headway 6th

13/2

0

7

4th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

12:58 Hereford

Rick Blaine

11st 6lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Shaun Lycett

This Flat winner showed some aptitude for hurdling when third in two novice events at Worcester (2m, good) in the summer; should stay this longer trip and may have some untapped potential on handicap debut.

12/1

Form: 425433 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Three wins last summer; none since but this consistent 8yo goes well on ground softer than good and, edging back down the weights, is well capable of being seriously involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

(11)

26th Jul 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Sandown

Tralee Hills

9st 4lb

J: Theodore Ladd

T: Simon Hodgson

Hardy veteran who drew a blank in 2022 but got back in front over 1m6f at Bath this April and his other races this season have been at 1m4f; ground softer than good would be preferable; considered each-way if he gets it.

14/1

8th

2

(4)

5th Jul 2023

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

18:20 Epsom

Tralee Hills

10st 9lb

J: Miss Serena Brotherton

T: Simon Hodgson

Good summer in 2021 included a win in this race under Serena Brotherton; drew a blank in 2022 but got back in front at Bath (1m6f) this April when last seen; it looks as if ground softer than good may be needed if he races over as short as 1m4f these days.

7/2

1st

1

(13)

21st Apr 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Bath

Tralee Hills

9st 13lb

J: William Carver

T: Simon Hodgson

His seven wins have all been at middle distances but he has form at up to 2m and is ideally suited on slow ground; last success was in July 2021 but that was off 3lb higher and he returned to turf with an eyecatching fourth at Pontefract (1m4f, soft) ten days ago; kept on well out wide in that race and he looks interesting back up in trip.

8/1

Form: 630-34

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Minor honours at around 1m4f in two Flat runs this year; unraced over this far on Flat but has some hurdles form; rain would seemingly be okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

5th Jul 2023

Firm

1m 2f 37y

Class 6

20:10 Bath

Order Of St John

9st 9lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: D J Jeffreys

Out of form on the Flat this spring and also ran poorly over fences on latest outing one month ago; comes here with a lot to prove; swaps cheekpieces for blinkers; considered only if lively in the betting.

10/1

1

4th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 59y

Class 5

15:30 Fakenham

Order Of St John

12st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

Won four-runner maiden hurdle at Leicester (1m7f, good to firm) last November and soft ground may not have suited in Sandown handicap next time; however, he's failed to shine on the Flat this year which dents confidence in his claims on this chase debut.

10/1

25/1

Form: 17-300

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Both wins on AW, the latest last September off same mark as today; her four runs since have been one close third (2m, Lingfield AW in July) in between three flops; has run just once (on good last year) on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(11)

14th Oct 2022

Heavy

2m 0f 45y

Class 4

17:08 Haydock

Good Soul

9st 3lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Hugo Palmer

always towards rear, lost touch over 4f out

16/1

7th

6

(13)

23rd Sep 2022

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Haydock

Good Soul

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Hugo Palmer

prominent about three wide, ridden over 3f out, soon edged left, lost ground from over 1f out

25/1

10th

6

(13)

2nd Sep 2022

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

19:55 Kempton (AW)

Good Soul

9st 10lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Hugo Palmer

raced wide, in touch with leaders, headway and prominent after 3f, led with one circuit to go, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

10/1

Form: -42752 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Two 1m6f wins (one on soft) in spring 2021; three creditable shows from five starts this season (the exceptions were on good to firm) and enters the each-way picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

24th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

16:10 Yarmouth

Sulochana

9st 9lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Ben Pauling

in touch with leaders, pressed leader when ridden 3f out, lost fourth 1f out, soon weakened

10/1

8th

9

(8)

29th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 5

19:15 Doncaster

Sulochana

9st 1lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Ben Pauling

switched left soon after start, midfield

9/1

5th

2

(10)

6th Apr 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Sulochana

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ben Pauling

Dual 1m6f Flat winner (good to firm/soft) for Hughie Morrison; well beaten in two runs over hurdles for this yard but she's had wind surgery and Oisin Murphy is booked for this return to Flat action; 0-4 on the AW but needs respecting.

8/1

12/1

Form: 24/415

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Missed 2021; highly competitive on all first two starts back, including AW win, but took a backward step on latest; acts on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:37 Hereford

East End Girl

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Alastair Ralph

C&D winner who posted a solid third of 15 back over C&D in December; comes here on the back of a recent run on the Flat so can't be dismissed.

7/1

9th

7

(7)

2nd Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

East End Girl

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Good third of 15 over hurdles in December, on her second run after a long absence; now switches back to Flat but she's well treated on old form, including a 2m win on Tapeta at Newcastle; one to keep an eye on.

12/1

16/1

Form: 721277

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
8l win in amateurs race at Doncaster (2m, good to firm) in July and beaten a head next time, before two lesser shows; tailed off on all three starts on soft or heavy, including latest outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 115y

Class 6

15:10 Doncaster

Clifftop Heaven

10st 10lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

Has done most winning on Tapeta but likes it here and had been running well for Brodie Hampson back from a lengthy absence prior to a quieter effort three weeks ago; needs to bounce back.

4/1

5th

2

(5)

20th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 6

13:35 Ripon

Clifftop Heaven

10st 8lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

prominent

11/4

3rd

10

(8)

7th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

17:28 Haydock

Clifftop Heaven

10st 5lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

led

7/2

10/1

Form: 237543 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Both wins over 1m4f on AW late last year; on the premises most starts this term (the most notable exception was sole run on soft) but this longer trip is of uncertain benefit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(5)

23rd Sep 2022

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Haydock

Mercian Hymn

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Sir Mark Todd

taken down early, in touch with leaders, shaken up 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, soon lost position, beaten 1f out

10/1

3rd

3

(1)

2nd Sep 2022

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:55 Kempton (AW)

Mercian Hymn

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Sir Mark Todd

taken down early, took keen hold, pressed leader, lost second and prominent with one circuit to go, ridden and every chance 2f out, no extra inside final 110yds

6/1

4th

2

(6)

15th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

19:20 Windsor

Mercian Hymn

10st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Sir Mark Todd

held up in rear, pushed along on outer over 2f out, in touch with leaders when ridden over 1f out, outpaced inside final furlong

7/1

16/1

Form: 00482-

Last run: 345 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped judged on AW (in particular) and turf form from his Irish days and runner-up at Bath last October on first British run; failed to shine in his four runs over hurdles since, given wind surgery after first of those; needs a revival on this first run since March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(1)

24th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Bath

Alghazaal

9st 7lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Mark Usher

Record of 2-37 and his last win was over fences 13 months ago; several placed efforts on AW since October; not disgraced back on turf at Windsor (11.5f) this month; stays this far but others are more persuasive.

14/1

6th

8

(4)

3rd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 6

20:15 Windsor

Alghazaal

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Mark Usher

Record of 2-36 and his last win was over fences 13 months ago; several placed efforts on AW since October but form dipped on Polytrack in last two runs and others are more persuasive.

14/1

Form: 6-1042

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
2m Doncaster win in April on reappearance; tailed off next time but returned to form for minor honours on last two outings, beaten a neck at Thirsk latest; serious contender on that and he's relatively lightly raced (bit to prove on softer than good after one attempt); cheekpieces first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

10th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:45 York

Tendentious

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Began the season with two heavy defeats but he bounced back to form when scoring at Redcar a fortnight ago (1m6f, good to firm; cheekpieces back on); consistency hasn't been his strong suit so no guarantee he'll be in the same form; non-runner at Thirsk yesterday.

2/1

1st

7

(3)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

18:30 Redcar

Tendentious

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Sole win came at Doncaster (2m Class 5, good to firm) in April 2022, although he did also go close at Thirsk (2m) later in the season; bit to prove after finishing down the field in his two outings this year.

20/1

12/1

Form: 367863

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
His only win in recent years came on stable debut over 1m4f at York last September off 5lb higher; patchy record since but not far away judged on 2m efforts on last two outings; has a bit to prove on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

20th Oct 2022

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

16:50 Southwell (AW)

Kasperenko

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Eric Alston

Too high in the weights when last seen on AW but he has now eased to a more realistic mark; not at his best this summer but Paul Mulrennan is a good booking and better may be on the cards today.

20/1

14th

4

(16)

23rd Sep 2022

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Haydock

Kasperenko

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Eric Alston

raced in last, pushed along over 3f out, never on terms (trainer's rep could offer no explanation for the poor form shown)

12/1

3

(5)

2nd Sep 2022

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:18 Haydock

Kasperenko

9st 9lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Eric Alston

His only win in recent years came on stable debut over 1m4f at York last September off 5lb higher; patchy record since but he showed enough over 2m on last two outings (here latest) to be given an each-way chance.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2-2453

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; 1m4f maiden handicap on AW last August is his only win from 14 starts; ran creditably in three of four starts this term, including on soft ground on reappearance and over 1m6f in cheekpieces on latest, so he's one of many in each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

14:15 Catterick

Maketh Believeth

11st 2lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Amy Murphy

Well beaten on final two Flat runs, most recently his yard debut; however, his best Flat form (RPR 82) entitles him to some respect on this hurdle debut for which he wears a first-time tongue-tie; each-way possible.

16/1

6th

4

(4)

16th Dec 2022

Standard To Slow

2m 2f 98y

Class 4

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Maketh Believeth

9st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Amy Murphy

Ex-Harry Dunlop; sole win over 1m4f on Wolverhampton Tapeta in 2021; seems to stay 2m from limited attempts and although never in the game at Haydock in October he could still have a say on debut for new yard.

6/1

5th

5

(7)

14th Oct 2022

Heavy

2m 0f 45y

Class 4

17:08 Haydock

Maketh Believeth

9st 7lb

J: George Rooke

T: Harry Dunlop

in rear, pushed along and minor headway over 3f out, weakened from 2f out

6/1

Form: 449293 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
2-27, his second win coming off 2lb lower at Doncaster (1m4f, good) in March; some creditable shows since, including at York (2m) last time on first run after wind surgery, but he does not seem the percentage call; unraced on good to soft, has been placed on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(6)

5th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Ghadbbaan

9st 3lb

J: Archie Young

T: Sam England

Exposed sort who stays 2m well, is on a good mark and ran well to be third at Wolverhampton (2m) last time; chance.

4/1

3rd

1

(12)

20th Jan 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ghadbbaan

9st 9lb

J: Archie Young

T: Sam England

held up in rear

20/1

7th

4

(2)

4th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:37 Newcastle (AW)

Ghadbbaan

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Sam England

midfield

16/1

Non-runners

Maketh Believeth, Ghadbbaan

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.10
Straight Forecast £51.77
Tricast £615.79
Trifecta £1461.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Pentland Hills

The Star:

Sulochana

POSTDATA:

Ghadbbaan

The Guardian:

Tendentious

Daily Express:

Good Soul

NEWMARKET:

East End Girl

TOPSPEED:

Red Derek

Daily Mirror:

Tralee Hills

RP Ratings:

Kasperenko

Daily Record:

Sulochana

Daily Mail:

Ghadbbaan

LAMBOURN:

Pentland Hills

The Times:

Pentland Hills

Telegraph:

Pentland Hills

The Sun:

Pentland Hills